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2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h hybrid politely launched at New York auto show

April 3, 2012

1 of 6A front view of the 2013 Lexus ES.

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2 of 6The instrument panel of the 2013 Lexus ES.

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3 of 6The engine of the 2013 Lexus ES.

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4 of 6The 2013 Lexus ES350 and ES300h at the New York auto show.

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5 of 6The rear of the 2013 Lexus ES350 at the New York auto show.

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6 of 6The interior of the 2013 Lexus ES350.

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There was the promise of a “bold, courageous design” from Lexus group vice president and general manager Mark Templin today at the New York auto show. Then there was the 2013 Lexus ES 350 that appeared from beneath a Plexiglas trapezoid at the company’s press conference.

The execution, I’m sorry to report, doesn’t quite meet the hyperbole.

At best, the new ES 350 is an inoffensive design with conventional sedan flanks capped by the new face of Lexus at the front – essentially an Audi grille pinched in the middle to resemble an hourglass. Or a catfish, depending upon one’s perspective. The powertrain is equally inoffensive: A 3.5-liter V6 backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, notable during a period when Lexus’ competitors are rapidly moving toward 7-, 8- and 9-speed gearboxes.

Inside, the ES continues to offer the Enform multimedia system controlled by its fingertip mouse pointer. Good quality leather swaddles the surfaces, while a multi-tiered dash design at least feels fresh, even if it’s not breaking any new ground. Of particular note, rear-seat legroom is outstanding even with a relatively tall passenger in the driver’s seat.

Lexus also unveiled the new ES 300h, a hybrid version of the ES sedan. Don’t be misled by the moniker: The ES 300h gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine coupled to the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system for a claimed 40 mpg combined.

Yep, it’s new product, and the brand faithful can breathe a sigh of relief that Lexus didn’t go and do anything revolutionary to their transportation appliance. For enthusiasts waiting for signs of spice from Toyota's luxury arm, though, move along: Nothing to see here.